The Greene County Commission will start putting together its spending plan in October. A final decision on the funding for the crossing guards is expected by the end of the calendar year.

"We're at just the beginning of our budget cycle so we'll be looking as we move forward if we can find enough pennies where we can help," said Presiding Commissioner Jim Viebrock. "As of this morning, we have made no commitment."

The district reached out to the county because it wants the county to resume paying to staff the designated crossings outside the city limits.

"We think it should be a joint partnership if at all possible," Jungmann said.

A plan is in the works to streamline Springfield's complex crossing guard system. It has been managed, staffed and funded by multiple local entities.

Interest in streamlining, reducing the absentee rate among crossing guards and finding a better way to cover unmanned crossings ignited a conversation about options.

Last week, officials for the city and district — the two main players — agreed to hire a vendor to provide the service. A lot of work has been done to pursue that option.

The city, with input from the district, requested bids. Five vendors responded, three were interviewed and a favorite, which has not yet been named, emerged.

That preferred bid, good through Nov. 18, is $177,480 to cover the 34 designated school crossings — 27 in the city and seven in the county — for one hour each morning and afternoon during the school year. The amount includes training, pay for the guards, equipment, liability insurance and a supervisor position.

Currently, the city manages and funds the 27 crossings in the city. The district manages the seven in the county, but the funding has been tenuous. The city of Battlefield pays for one and the cost of the other six, which used to be paid by the county, has recently been covered by the district.

The county, citing budget woes, bowed out in late 2013.

The city spends at least $100,000 a year. The other crossings cost just under $30,000 annually.

At last week's meeting, district officials felt strongly that the county should be approached about contributing again.